The Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials in mid July was my first competition with Remarkable 54. I felt under-prepared, and I was prepared to withdraw if necessary. I approached the weekend like a training session, but we were still nervous.

I gave Remarkable 54 the chance to look at many fences before jumping them. In both jumping phases he broke to the trot a few times, which I didn't mind at all. I would rather have him slow down, look, and then go, than run anxiously. Thoughtfulness and relaxation travel well together, so we hit that road and went slow.